Nigeria’s defense minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned amid a worsening security crisis marked by mass kidnappings of schoolchildren. President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and plans to recruit 20,000 police officers to address the escalating violence.

Recent incidents include the abduction of over 300 individuals from a school in Niger state and 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state, highlighting the targeting of educational institutions by armed gangs. The situation is complicated by the involvement of Sahelian groups, including Boko Haram.

International figures, including former US President Donald Trump, have voiced concerns over Christian treatment in Nigeria, with Trump threatening military action, which the Nigerian government has denied. The defense minister's resignation marks a critical point in Nigeria’s efforts to restore security.